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respecting the faith of Islam, that led him to propose the questions which he did the day before: to which, looking round him, he replied, "No." On being asked the reason of his declared faith in the professed mission and revelation of Ma homed, he, with the utmost boldness, declared, that he grounded his faith on undoubted and irrefutable proofs. I now declared myself an infidel as to the faith of Islam, and begged that he would bring forward some of the many proofs that had so fully satisfied his own mind. The confusion which he now evinced fully shewed, that what he had said was mere assertion. After a pause, I was asked, what proofs I required; and whether the assertion of the Prophet of God was not sufficient to induce belief. To this I replied, that I required all the proofs, or others equally substantial, that could be adduced, to prove the Divine Mission of Moses and Christ. I was desired to mention them; and, in doing so, I defied him to produce any one in confirmation of the mission of Mahomed; affirming, also, that, though he could offer no argument to prove its truth, I was able fully to justify my own disbelief of it. I was instantly defied; and, begging that I might be listened to without interruption, proceeded forthwith. An intense and apparently anxious interest seemed to be excited in the minds of the numbers that were present; and I was patiently listened to till the close of the evening, when the people, with the Moolwee at their head, departed. The result of this day's conversation was, that, for five more successive days, I was surrounded by a crowd. Several persons brought with them learned men, in the hope of refuting the arguments which they had heard advanced. The whole issued in a most earnest request for the Gospel; and numbers of copies were distributed, besides Tracts to the amount of several hundreds. It was deeply to be regretted, that I had no Tract on the subject of the Mahomedan Controversy to leave with them.

Jaunpore.

After spending nearly a fortnight at Benares and Chunar-at which latter place I preached on Sunday, on occasion of the Baptism of three Adults-I passed no place of consequence till I reached Jaunpore, the ancient residence of royalty. This is still a place of great repute; and more learning and intelligence are to be found among the Mussulmans than in any place which I have visited. There was existing

among them a strong party-feeling, on a question connected with their religion. A considerable disturbance had recently taken place, and the matter has been carried into Court. This circumstance afforded me an occasion, which I did not fail to embrace. A great number followed me into the Suray, to receive books, and to dispute. Some of the people wishing to have a School among them, I spoke with the Judge and Magistrate on the subject, who expressed a willingness to further it.

The next considerable place between this and Gorruckpore is Azeemghur. Being anxious to reach Gorruckpore by Sunday, I could only spend one afternoon here; and had, consequently, but little opportunity of conversation, without which many books are not generally distributed. Only about 20 copies of St. Matthew's Gospel were given, with a few Tracts. this I went to Gorruckpore, where I arrived on Saturday, December 20th.

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On concluding his journey, Mr. Wilkinson remarks

The above is a brief outline of some of the circumstances of my journey to and from Benares. Of late, I have found the Mahomedan mind in a state of considerable inquiry. This is surely to be met; and nothing is more to be regretted, than our not having proper books to distribute among them. I have, consequently, engaged a Moolwee to assist me in preparing a series of Tracts on different points of Scripture Evidence, &c.: one Tract is finished, and others are in progress. The one finished is of a general character: the subjects of the others are 1. The Evidence of Prophecy, shewing the want of the same in the person of Mahomed2. On Miracles; the first part consisting of some criterion; the second, Scripture Miracles brought to the test; the third, on the question of pretended Mahomedan Miracles-3. The Evidence of Scripture Facts, and the want of such evidence in the Korân-4. The manner in which the two Religions were propagated-5. On Internal Evidence, in which the different characters of the two Religions are to be shewn-and, lastly, A candid Appeal to Mahomedans on the signs of the times.

SECOND VISIT.

Buxar.

* Jan. 11, 1829: Sunday-Arrived here last night at 10 o'clock. The villages between Gorruckpore and this place are generally small, and the people extremely ignorant. But few profess to have any thought beyond the present; and the few

to me,

exceptions look to their respective Gooroos (Spiritual Guides) to manage for them the concerns of another world. Several said "We are necessarily engaged in our worldly concerns, but our Gooroos are appointed of God to attend to spiritual things for us. If we make our offerings to them according to our power, our next state will be good; but otherwise it will be evil." On inquiring what they hoped for from their Gooroos in an after-state, the general reply was, "A better birth;" by which they mean, a birth to a better or superior rank in society. This, as far as my own observation extends, is the general state of feeling pervading all the lower classes among the Hindoos. I endeavoured to explain to them, in the first place, that the object of their hope was delusive; and, in the second, that the foundation of that hope was no less so that Judgment succeeds the present state of being-that this Judgment is personal-that it respects our conduct towards God, and not that towards any particular individual whom we might select from among ourselves that those, whom they regarded as their Gooroos, were equally involved in guilt with themselves, and, consequently, the subjects of the coming Judgment equally with other men, and would have to render an account to God of the deeds done in the body, whether good or evil-that, of consequence, all dependence on any offerings made to them would be of no avail-that there is but one Mediator between God and men- and that dependence on Him is the only security from that wrath to which our sins expose us. In most cases, my hearers attended to the things that were said, and a conviction of their probable truth seemed visible on their countenances. Few among them, in general not one, could read; and I was obliged to leave them to brood in ignorance over what they had heard, and without the means of further knowledge. This state of things is painful; and excites the feeling, What are we among so many? At some of the larger villages I distributed several Tracts.

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was rather that of an emissary of Satan, than of any good Being. As I confine myself to facts acknowledged among the betterinformed among them, I am heard generally without contradiction by such, and with astonishment by others. Some who acknowledge the facts deny the inference. To-day I had English Service at 10 o'clock. The Invalids were all present, and appeared very attentive. My text was Rom. ii. 17-24. One of the men came after Service, to ask to have a copy of the sermon. At 4 o'clock the Hindoostanee Women assembled: they were addressed from Eph.iv. 1-6. Kurrum Messeeh tells me, that some of the women read in the Pentateuch and Psalms; and one has begun the Prophecies of Isaiah. The whole read the Nagree and Oordoo New Testament, and have committed the Assembly's Catechism to memory. I have desired them to meet me to-morrow, for examination.

The Kitchurry Mela commenced here yesterday, and to-day a great many people were assembled. After returning from the Morning Service, the Hinduwee Schoolmaster came to Kurrum Messeeh for books, to take for distribution among the people. As I was unable to go myself in consequence of being lame, and could not very well spare Kurrum Messeeh, he went alone, and gave away 6 single Gospels, and a few copies of the Hinduwee Poem. The poor man seems convinced of the truth of our holy Religion; but, like many more, contents himself with acknowledging it, without receiving Baptism. About 15 boys, Hindoos, attend the School, and learn to read the Gospels: some of them have committed the Hinduwee Poem to memory, - Kurrum Messeel appears to be particularly well adapted to the situation which he holds: he is much esteemed by his little flock, and seems very happy in his work. I have been his guest since my arrival, my people being still behind; and have been struck with the remarkable contrast which his family exhibits to Native families in general: every thing is conducted orderly, peaceably, and with the greatest good-will and cheerfulness imaginable.

Jan. 12, 1829-To-day had the women to read: 12 were present, who could read very well. I heard them read the 2d Chapter of John's Gospel; and explained its meaning, drawing from it particular points of instruction &c. After they had finished the chapter, I questioned them on the Catechism, which they all appeared to

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ject of becoming a Christian, and left him. We found here also a good many people able to read; and several received Tracts. Ghazeepore.

Jan. 16- Arrived here at 7 o'clock last evening. day and to-day in the Suray: numbers Spent after-part of yestercame, and continued to hear and argue till quite late. A Missionary would find every day work here in conversation with inquirers. Endeavoured to interest Mr. →→→→→→ to raise a Fund for the support of a School, which he has promised to do. I hope this will be found a fruitful field for Missionary Labour. I cannot describe what my feelings are with respect to this people. May God pour out of His Spirit abundantly on them! ⠀

RECENT INTELLIGENCE.

South India-By a communication received from Tinnevelly, it appears that the Missionaries were in good health at the end of September, and steadily prosecuting their labours.

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I am expecting one of the Clergymen from New Zealand to take my duty, while I go to them they are urgent for me to visit them. All was going on well, at the last accounts."

West Indies Mr. Stearn writes from Papine, in the Island of Jamaica, on' December 19th, that he and Mrs. Stearn Rev, T. Carr on the arrived at Port Royal on the 1st of the month, after a voyage of about six weeks. They were in the enjoyment of health.

West India-A Letter, addressed to the Secretaries by the 2d of September, states, that the Missio, naries, the Rev. Messrs. Mitchell, Farrar, and Dixon, with Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Farrar, were residing at Bandora, and in good health. Messrs. Farrar and Dixon were pursuing the study of Mah

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Mr. Joshua Wood, the Society's Catechist at Coley, in the Parish of St. Thomasin-the-East, writes, on December 15th, that the attendance on his Catechetical Instructions, both on the Sunday and weekdays, is good.

A Letter from Mr. J. Armstrong, dated Essequibo, December 31, states, that he was in good health, and prosecuting his labours.

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Church Missionary Kecord.

No. 3.]

MARCH, 1830.

[VOL. I.

Biography.

MEMOIR AND OBITUARY OF THE REV. T. T. THOMASON, M. A. FORMERLY FELLOW AND TUTOR OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE; AND ONE OF THE CHAPLAINS TO THE HON. EAST-INDIA-COMPANY, ON THE BENGAL ESTABLISHMENT.

THE following brief Memoir is taken from the Calcutta "Christian Intelligencer" of September; which is a new Monthly Publication, begun in July, and printed at the Church Mission Press..

During the last month have been received the melancholy tidings of the death of this valuable Servant of the Church of Christ. He departed this life on the 22d day of June, at the Mauritius; to which island he had resorted, with a view to the restoration of his health. It is but a just tribute to his memory, to say, that India, has lost one of its warmest friends and most active and laborious benefactors. He was indeed a burning and a shining light; and many who have rejoiced in his light, will long remember him with sentiments and feelings the most grateful and affectionate. The memory of the just is blessed.

Few names will be recorded, in the Annals of India, which have conferred greater benefits upon it than that of our departed friend; and the Christian Philanthropist, when surveying the widelyextended territories of this vast Continent, and reflecting over those who have esteemed no labour too arduous, no services too severe nay, who have counted not their lives dear unto themselves, so that they might plant the standard of the Cross amid the countless myriads of dark and fallen, but immortal, spirits, which inhabit its surface-will at once associate, in his mind, with Kiernander and Swartz, and Brown and Buchanan, and Martyn and Heber, the name of Thomason, as a no less true and sincere friend to the Cause of the Redeemer.

[RECORD, March, 1830.]

I

It is to be hoped, that a Memoir of the life of this sound scholar and sincere saint will be furnished by some of his connections, who have long known and can best appreciate his worth it could not fail to be received with gratitude and joy by many who have enjoyed the benefit of his instructions, both private and public. In the mean time, this brief and hasty sketch of his Life, his Ministry, and Death, is offered.

Mr. Thomason was born at Devonport, on the 7th of June in the year 1774. He was in early youth impressed with a sense of the importance and necessity of a religious life. His pious and feeling mother, whose worth is well known in a most extensive circle of acquaintance, has frequently remarked, that his behaviour was so lovely and engaging in this his innocent age of childhood, as to give the strongest hopes that his character would be distinguished hereafter for remarkable piety and usefulness. The Venerable Archdeacon Corrie, in a Funeral Sermon preached on the occasion of Mr. Thomason's death, mentioned a circumstance which greatly corroborates the truth of these remarks. When he was but thirteen years of age, the devotion of his mind to religious pursuits began to appear, by his refusing to accompany a friend to a place of fashionable amusement. His friend was so struck with his conduct on that occasion, as to be led to serious reflection and to the renun

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